Cancer Screening

There are three NHS cancer screening programmes across England. They learn whether you are at risk of developing certain types of cancer. To catch and treat cancer sooner.

Cervical Screening

Cervical screening is a method of preventing cancer by detecting and treating early abnormalities. Which, if left untreated, could lead to cancer in a woman’s cervix. The NHS Cervical Screening offer screenings to women registered with their GP. This is every three years aged 25-49 and every five years aged 50-64. Women over 65 only get an invite if they had an earlier abnormal result.

Early detection and treatment can prevent 75% of cancers developing.

For more information on cervical screening, please visit www.nhs.co.uk/cervical-screening

Breast Screening

Breast screening is a method of detecting breast cancer at a very early stage.  The NHS Breast Screening provides screening every three years for all women aged 50-70. You'll normally get your first invite for breast screening between the ages of 50-53. Then every 3 years until you turn 71.

Trans man, trans woman and non-binary people may also get an invite. You may need to call your GP Surgery or breast screening for an appointment.

The NHS Breast Screening only offers this to people registered with a GP Surgery.

For more information on breast screening, please visit www.nhs.uk/breast-screening

Bowel Cancer Screening

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK. The second leading cause of cancer deaths, with over 16,000 people dying each year. Screening aims to find bowel cancer at an early stage. When treatment is more like to be effective.

Bowel cancer screening offers screening to everyone age 54-74 every 2 years. It will soon be available for everyone aged 50-74 years old. Which includes a home test kit if you're aged 50 or over.

You can also get screening for bowel cancer every 2 years if you're aged 75 or over. But, you need to call the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060 and ask for the test.

For more information on bowel screening, please visit www.nhs.co.uk/bowel-screening

Women's Health

Women need to be aware of many health issues. The most significant is breast cancer, the most common cancer in the UK.

Each year, about 46,000 women get breast cancer. Most are 50 and over, but younger women can also get breast cancer. With rare cases of men also getting breast cancer. Its exact cause is not understood. But many factors raise the risk of developing it. Including, a family history of breast cancer.

If you have a higher than average risk. Screening and genetic testing may be available for you. With regular screening for all women aged 50-70.

There is a good chance of recovery if detected in the early stages. So, it is vital that women check their breasts and armpits regularly. It maybe easiest to do this in the shower or bath for any changes. Make to always get any changes examined by your GP.

Men's Health

The most common diagnosed male cancer in the UK is prostate cancer. Each year, about 35,000 men get prostate cancer and 10,000 men die from it. The prostate is a gland at the base of the bladder.  Early stages may cause no symptoms, but symptoms include problems with your ‘water works’. Men most at risk are 45 and over with a relative diagnosed with it. Afro-Caribbean men aged over 45 and all men aged over 50.

If you have a concern about your risk, talk to your GP. They may offer you a simple blood test called a PSA (prostate specific antigen). Which might offer a marker for this disease. For information about the test, and treatment for prostate cancer. See the Prostate Cancer Risk Management information at www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk. Men aged 40-60 can have their overall health and fitness checked at wellman clinics. Ask about these at your GP surgery.

Be Cancer Aware